Went in for my camry hybrid's free 20kmi service today. Afterward I asked if they used TGMO, just curious. I was initially told the 0w20 was bulk valvoline synthetic that "met toyotas specs." I wast surprised, you get what you pay for. Figured I'd change it after 5km, not go the whole 10k on this OCI. Then I checked the invoice. I was "charged" for 5 quarts 00279-0wqte...the good stuff! I didn't get what I paid for at all. The service manager swears the service rep was mistaken and they can't run any 0w20 besides TGMO (which is delivered in bulk), and that's what they put in my car, not valvoline.

At this point I'm incredibly skeptical of everything they say. Anyone know if this is true - Toyota service centers (dealer) can only use TGMO for 0w20 for warrantied service?

Let's assume it was some bulk 0w20 and it meets SN, should I go the whole 10000 miles? I'm not goin to shell out money for a UOA at 5k when a DIY change is $30.

First welcome to BITOG!It should be easy enough to confirm that the bulk 0W-20 oil being supplied to your dealer is TGMO as it will be on the oil drums (I think that is how Toyota supplies it to their dealers?). Or you could ask the service mgr to show you their bulk oil billing notice from Toyota.

Since you paid nothing, you did get what you paid for.TGMO is probably the better oil, but any 0W-20 is a pretty good oil and if you really got Synpower 0W-20, you got a perfectly capable oil.I know that you don't want to spend money on an analysis, but the amount of sodium would confirm that the oil either was or wasn't VSP.Relax and enjoy the spring.Whatever 0W-20 the service folks used should be perfectly okay for the recommended OCI.

I went to a different dealer today since I'm out of town. Now I'm wondering if I got QSUD at my local dealer in NC - they use a QS reminder sticker but invoice for TGMO in a similar way. Guess it doesn't really matter though. Now that they're not free, it's DIY from here out. I was almost hoping this gave me an excuse to get my hands dirty. Oh well another 10000 miles it is.

The dealers can use whatever they want, providing it meets the specs. Which is why I would change the oil myself =)

What is wrong with an oil that meets specs?

The whole point of getting service at the dealer is that you get OEM parts and OEM fluids, as well as OEM-trained techs. If you will get cheap generic fluids and cheap aftermarket parts (yet still pay the dealer premium), why not go to Kwik-E-Lube?

The dealers can use whatever they want, providing it meets the specs. Which is why I would change the oil myself =)

What is wrong with an oil that meets specs ?

Because they can use WHATEVER they want that meets specs. Just like Gokhan said, the point of getting dealer oil / fluid changes is to get OEM oil / filters / fluid. Same goes for any shop, you dont know for sure whats going in unless you watch them with your own eyes. Thats why I do my own OCI's

The whole point of getting service at the dealer is that you get OEM parts and OEM fluids, as well as OEM-trained techs. If you will get cheap generic fluids and cheap aftermarket parts (yet still pay the dealer premium), why not go to Kwik-E-Lube?

Ironically, at least in this city, it's the dealers that have the best oil change deal (aside from Infiniti/Nissan, they're insane). It's the quick lubes that charge through the nose, but at least some of them do use some reputable stuff.